Grand Cosmos Resort Ruisui Hualien

The Grand Cosmos Resort seamlessly combines a star-rated tourist hotel, resort villa, hot spring hotel, and water park into a single entity. Situated in the tranquil and picturesque town of Hualien, located in the East Rift Valley of Taiwan, it embodies and reflects the serene beauty of the area. Drawing inspiration from the idyllic landscapes of southern France's Provence region, the architect envisioned a complex of buildings in the charming manor architectural style of southern Europe. The surroundings are characterized by sprawling valleys, soothing thermal springs, and vast fields. Meticulous planning ensured that the construction site harmonized perfectly with the natural landscape.
The design concept embraces the grandeur of Southern European manor architecture, featuring steeply pitched roofs, towering spires, gables, ornate dormer windows, and chimneys. This combination results in a distinctive and diverse architectural style that seamlessly blends into the breathtaking mountainous scenery. Notably, the steeply pitched roof design mirrors the undulating terrain, creating a delightful small-town ambiance.
Visitors to the resort will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature's beauty while savoring a culinary feast, engaging in meditation, and participating in local nature and culture tourism activities. The Grand Cosmos Resort, the first “Excellent Five Star Hotel” officially certified by Taiwan's Tourism Bureau, serves as a catalyst for the development of Taiwan's eastern region's tourism industry, destined to promote its appeal and growth.
The comprehensive land development project encompasses the construction of around thirty distinct buildings, each varying in size and purpose. These structures are thoughtfully positioned around a central plaza, emanating a serene ambiance akin to that of a luxurious spa retreat. Notably, the architect ingeniously designed the utility building to resemble a church, strategically placing it at the heart of the square. This architectural choice draws inspiration from the notion that this building serves as the primary energy source for all the public utilities and structures within the lot, symbolizing the origin of life itself. This creative concept elevates the utility building to become the most captivating landmark within the resort.
The resort’s location is in an active seismic zone necessitated strict adherence to seismic code standards during the design process. To meet this challenge, the massive structures were constructed using a combination of reinforced concrete and steel. The smaller volume buildings were constructed solely with reinforced concrete. This careful selection of materials ensures that the buildings can efficiently reduce the load and withstand earthquakes.
In addition to their sturdy structure, the buildings feature pitched roofs made of steel, offering multiple benefits. Firstly, the use of steel allows for a diverse range of roof shapes, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the entire resort. Secondly, incorporating steel in the roof's construction reduces the overall weight on the building. Furthermore, steel is an environmentally friendly building material that can be recycled and reused, contributing to sustainable construction practices.
The resort buildings have been thoughtfully planned to incorporate various eco-friendly features. These include reducing the building and basement excavation areas, limiting the overall building coverage ratio to 19.76%. This ratio is less than half of what is required by the local building regulations, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Base greening, water retention, and rainwater recycling are ensuring efficient resource management.
As part of the eco-conscious design, the project emphasizes the planting of native tree species, such as Calocedrus formosana, Acer serrulatum, and Taiwan Zelkova. This deliberate selection creates a lush and diverse landscape while promoting natural ecological conservation within the resort.
Lastly, the building's design prioritizes the creation of a resort-wide barrier-free environment. By incorporating accessibility features, the building ensures that it is easily accessible to individuals of all physical abilities. This inclusive approach guarantees that everyone can fully enjoy the amenities and facilities without limitations.
The architect leading this project showcased an exceptional level of creativity by envisioning a seamless integration of the resort with its picturesque surroundings. This vision was brought to life by incorporating varying heights of the structures and using vibrant architectural forms. These design elements not only enhance the beauty of the resort but also harmonize with the natural landscape in a truly breathtaking manner.
Moreover, the landscape itself has been thoughtfully designed to create a serene environment where visitors can indulge in a sense of tranquility and sophistication. The goal is to provide an atmosphere that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the enchanting experience of exploring the complex and indulging in the therapeutic hot springs. It serves as a peaceful sanctuary, enabling visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and create unforgettable memories in a serene setting.